Infant regurgitation can present certain symptoms that may indicate a more important pathology. We explain what they are.
Infant spitting up is a common phenomenon in babies under one year of age. Regurgitation consists of the passage of stomach contents to the pharynx or mouth. Unlike vomiting, regurgitation occurs without effort or nausea.
It occurs in more than 50% of babies. However, infant regurgitation can sometimes be a sign of gastroesophageal reflux disease. In this article we explain what its causes and symptoms are.
Why does infant regurgitation occur?
Infant regurgitation occurs because their digestive system is not yet fully developed. The esophagus has a valve that regulates the passage of food into the stomach. It is the lower esophageal sphincter.
In newborns, it is still immature, so stomach contents tend to flow back into the esophagus. As the baby grows, this valve develops and regurgitations disappear naturally.
Also, another factor that promotes spitting up is the baby’s posture. Children, before 8 months of age, spend most of the day lying down. This also favors the movement of the food towards the mouth.
The fact that the diet is almost entirely milk-based is also an important factor. When the baby begins to eat solid foods, spitting up decreases. In the same way, the amount of food they eat influences. The more “full” the baby is, the easier it is for this phenomenon to occur.
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